The Around the World Doll Collection was donated by Frances B. Herbst. From 1930s to the 1970s, she collected approximately 300 dolls from 78 different countries. She donated the collection to the College of Home Economics, Department of Textiles & Clothing, on December 4, 1972. It was her desire that students learn about the different ethnic and cultural groups around the world.
The collection expanded with a donation from Don Larew. Don Larew was a Professor of Theater Arts at North Dakota State University for 40 years. His collection began with contributions from his sister, mother, and an uncle. The collection grew with gifts and purchases, and soon reached over 250 dolls. Don donated his collection to ERHCC in 2004.
With the addition of a few smaller collections, the Around the World Doll Collection now includes over 500 dolls from over 123 countries.
"I give this collection to the Home Economics Department of Textiles and Clothing because I feel it has great merit in the education of not only students, but by all those who can study the costumes of the ethnic groups represented here." - Frances B. Herbst
